Bankruptcy Costs

When you are overwhelmed in debt and wondering how you’re going to pay your bills, the thought of paying a bankruptcy attorney can be daunting. When you file bankruptcy, there are additional fees involved besides just paying your lawyer.

Filing Fees

When you file your paperwork with the court, there will be a filing fee. Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 will be around $300, depending on the area you live in. The fee will be submitted with your paperwork unless your court allows you to make payments. The trustee may also charge between $15-$20 when you submit your papers with the court.

Credit Counseling Agencies

When you file for bankruptcy, some of the requirements before you can receive a discharge is to attend mandatory counseling. These counseling sessions are designed to teach you how to manage your money better and stay out of bankruptcy court in the future. These courses typically cost anywhere from $20 to $100. You can find these courses online, in person, or over the phone.

Lawyer Fees

Most bankruptcy attorneys will give you a free initial consultation to discuss your case. If your attorney offers it, you can also make payments for the lawyer fees. Of course, the lawyer fees will be different, considering the area you live and the complexity of the case. For Chapter 7 bankruptcies, you can expect to pay somewhere in the $1,000 range and for Chapter 13 somewhere in the $3,000 range.

Do It Yourself

You could potentially save some money by doing your bankruptcy yourself. You’re allowed to represent yourself in court and file all of your paperwork yourself. The question you have to ask yourself is that a good idea?

Often the money you save on lawyers fees you could easily lose in your bankruptcy. Knowing the bankruptcy law allows you to claim the correct exemptions, filing your paperwork on time, and when is the best time to file bankruptcy.

There will be unavoidable fees involved in filing your bankruptcy case, these will be a fraction of the debt you will be able to eliminate in bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is the quickest and easiest form of bankruptcy. It can be completed in as little as three to six months.

Contact a Plano bankruptcy attorney to ensure you get the best representation and the legal knowledge to allow you to eliminate the most debt while keeping the most assets.